I am thinking about getting the New Hare Decoder but I have a few questions
Will this decoder run more than one switch?
I have a Prodogy Advance DCC. Not Prodogy Advance Sq. Will I am able to program all of the funtions of this decoder.
I have toggle switches to control each turnout which works fine. Two toggles to control 4 switches on double crossovers. Is the Hare worth the money and have any real advantages?
Are you currently using the New version or the Old?
The Hare is intended for a single Tortoise machine; it has a card edge connector plug. Whether this is good or not is debatable; there was an earlier thread on whether of not to directly wire the Tortoise to the controller.
Do you need the advanced features of the Hare, features not available with DPDT switches? [product link]
Not really. I figured if one Hare could work with let say 4 switches then maybe it would be worth it. I want to start doing so automation and I thought it might be a place to start.The photo link below shows the Control panel with the trank layout.Any ideas for a reasonably price upgrade. Thanks
The difference between Hare and Hare II (the new) is that the second has feedback capabilities, besides from that, they are the same. The Hare can only manage only one tortoise if you`re looking to operate two machines with the same decoder then you should read about the Wabbit which is a dual decoder. Both made by DCC Specialties.
For my money this is a much better more cost effective way to go. TAM Valley Depots Quad decoder and now he offers one for Tortoise switch machines. for a few dollars more you can control four switch machines and still control them via switches on the fascia if so desired.
I looked into the Quad and it really looks good. The one problem I have is that there is a route I seem to alway forget to change and derail the train. I don’t see anywhere that the quad has a Automatic Thown that senses the the frog is in the wrong position. Am I correct?
This might be dumb. All of my switches are controlled and work well by Toggges on the Control Panel. What is the advantage of going to any of the decoders?
The advantage is controlling them through the dcc system and controlling them by the wireless throttle. It is also essential if you automate your system.
You mention Automating the layout. I am thinging about Block detection with signals. Do I need this if this is the next plan? As I run 4 trains with my Prodigy Advance ( NOT Wireless) I don’t know if I would want to start controlling turnouts with the throttle.
Right now the layout run great. I am trying to figure out a reasonably priced upgrade. Any good sugestions.
You have the option with the quad decoder to either operate it via push buttons provided with he quad that mount on the fascia he little board that has the push button controller has LED to indicate which direction of the switch is in or you can operated it as mention via an accessory CV on your hand throttle. So you can control everything right form the throttle. Eventually all of my turnouts will be signaled so I can tell from a distance what direction they are in. I am no DCC expert but I suspect you can even operate the quad with an infrared pick up mounted in the approach track. or some where else. If you email Duncan the owner electronic genesis of Tam Valley he can better answer any questions you have. All I can say is after about 5 years worth of researching stationary decoders the Tam Valley Quad is the best I have found bar none and the best buy for the money. I am some what prejudice as I was researching his servo turnout controllers and he said he was considering making one for Tortoise/stall motor switch machines but hadn’t gotten around to it yet so being as I asked I got to try the very first one he made. I intend to put a total of ten quads on this section of the layout when it’s completed.
For me it’s a no brainer control four turnouts for a little less then controlling one with the hare and it’s just as easy to install and program etc. but it actually works out cheaper as the hare doesn’t come with a separate fascia controller like the Quad does. I can almost guarantee 99.999999% that you’ll be glad you choose it.
(One thing I forgot to mention using Tam Valley’s quad decoder when applied to Tortoise switch machines leaves the terminal normally used for activating the servo’s free to activate other things such as signals. I have zero experience at wiring signals which is possibly a very good thing. But after installing my first Quad and having all the turnouts work properly I simply wired my dwarf signals to them and now I have working signals and turnouts
Big fan of the quad decoders myself. I don’t want stationary switches, just my throttle controller, so I just use the digitrax ds44. People have tried to talk me out of it but it fits my needs. I just wire up indicator panels with LED’s to show me what switch id doing what.
As far as the block detection goes for the other question you may not need it but it sure will make things much simpler.